Postdoc Gravitational Physics Research Group

The Gravitational Physics Research led by Prof. Michele Vallisneri in the Dept. of Physics at ETH Zurich invites applications for one or more 3-year postdoctoral positions on novel statistical and computational approaches for gravitational-wave data analysis with applications to LISA and pulsar-timing-array data analysis. 

In 2015, the LIGO–Virgo collaboration achieved the first detection of high-frequency gravitational radiation, confirming Einstein’s 1916 results, and establishing the existence of binaries of stellar-mass black holes. The next frontier – the observation of a background of very-low-frequency gravitational waves – was reached in 2023 by pulsar-timing- rray programs (NANOGrav and its international counterparts). Continuing pulsar-timing observations will clarify the origin, spectral features, and multipolar structure of the background, and may also reveal the presence of nearby individual sources. In the mid 2030s, the space mission LISA will begin to observe thousands of low-frequency gravitational-wave sources, including ultracompact stellar-remnant binaries in the Milky Way, and the mergers of massive-black-hole binaries across cosmic time. The newly formed Gravitational Physics Research Group at ETH Zurich leads the implementation of the Swiss LISA Data Center (in collaboration with Profs. Giardini and Robertsson’s research groups in the Dept. of Earth and Planetary Science), and participates in the science activities of the NANOGrav pulsar-timing consortium. 

You will work within the Gravitational Physics group at ETH Zurich and contribute to our LISA effort, our NANOGrav effort, or both:

• For LISA, you will join in the formulation, development, and testing of novel algorithms and mathematical techniques for the LISA global-fit problem, and for the integration of global-fit products into source catalogs. You will interact with researchers and engineers in the Swiss LISA Data Center and in LISA Data Centers across Europe, in the ETH AI Center, and in ETH Zurich | Space. Your contributions will inform the implementation of data-analysis pipelines and other analysis software for LISA, and they will help deliver the scientific results of the mission. 
• For NANOGrav, you will contribute to the statistical formulation of pulsar-timing-array searches for gravitational waves; to the development of the Discovery analysis code; and to the analysis of current and future datasets. You will investigate novel techniques to model timing noise and mismodeling bias in the characterization of gravitational waves.  You will interact with researchers in the international pulsar-timing-array community and in the ETH AI Center. Your results will help establish very-low-frequency gravitational-wave measurements as a new tool to understand the Universe.

In your research, you will experiment with a range of computational and mathematical techniques, including neural-network-based inference, information-theoretical approaches, and GPU- and AI-based acceleration. You will assist in the supervision of PhD theses and Master student projects. You will participate in outreach opportunities and in teaching at the undergraduate and Master level. You will join a team working on the future of gravitational-wave science through technical development, strategic planning, and attention to the long-term cultural impact of our field.

• hold a PhD degree in physics or similar discipline by the starting date
• enjoy theoretical physics, applied mathematics, and problem solving
• have a strong record of publications and scientific presentations
• be a committed team player with good communication skills
• be proficient in spoken and written English
• have excellent computer and programming skills

We offer a dynamic, challenging role within an inspiring environment at a world-renowned university. Career development is central to our culture, and we are committed to supporting your professional growth.

Postdocs at ETH Zurich earn competitive salaries and are eligible for both social security and retirement benefits (the current annual gross salary starts at CHF 92'200 in the first year and goes up to CHF 101'600 in the third and fourth year). Funding for attending international conferences is available and potential publication costs will be covered. 

ETH Zurich is regularly rated as the best university in continental Europe and Zurich itself is one of the most livable and attractive cities worldwide. Many people at ETH Zurich and within our research group have an international background. English is our common language.